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But if you're looking for a nice little spot right on top of a very good beach this is it. Go for a 2nd or 3rd story room on the west side, great view. Everyone was very friendly and tried to accommodate as much as they could. This isn't the place if your looking for a lot of amenities but if your like us & just want a clean, quiet, comfortable place to stay between trips to the beach, this is a great choice. Our room even had a proper kitchenette with a full size fridge and all supplies (other than food). No expensive eating out necessary.

Stayed June 2012, traveled as a couple

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2Thank theblueroan

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MoonlightBeachMotel, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
August 15, 2012

theblueroan,

Thank you for taking the time to review us on Trip Advisor ...

“It's not the Taj Mahal”Well you have put us up against some tuff competition !But you have the right idea of what The Moonlight Beach Motel is all about !

Keeping the “kichenette’s” stocked with all the amenaties is not easy,It seems with families in different rooms forks and plates have learned to walk from room to room But we always tell everyone, if you don’t have it we will try and find it ASAP !

I can’t say anymore except "thanks" and we look forward to your next return …

Cheers geo & deb

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I had issues with George the manager the last time I stayed at this motel, but decided not to say anything at the time

I have been trying to book a room for my wife and I for about a month now, George has been very weird and unresponsive, and has told me I can not book a room anymore, which is very weird, I attribute this to my speaking out about a few things on my last stay, there was a lot of construction last time I stayed, I told George I never knew it was as bad as it was going to be, he became very upset with me when I pointed out that construction was not part of my vacation, my car was constantly dirty from dust and other construction debris, George seemed to care less when I informed him I was not happy. We ended up leaving, and figured George would be gone as he seemed like he could care less and was very angry generally, we thought (naively) that George was on his way out. We were wrong, George is still the manager for some strange reason!!

I have stayed at this motel many times, well before George came on board, I think the owners (not George) can do a lot better for a manager in my opinion, I have decided not to stay at thismotel until George is no longer with Moonlight Beach Motel. I have no problem with this Motel or theowners, my problems are with George and his awful attitude.

Stayed August 2012, traveled as a couple

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2Thank kleeottorogers

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MoonlightBeachMotel, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
August 12, 2012

This is my third attempt to respond to this review. It seems there are different rules for truthful responses to slanderous reviews. With that said, I leave it to the Trip Advisor readers to read all the true and honest reviews of the management at Moonlight Beach Motel. Please feel free to contact us personally if you have any questions about this review. I would be glad to tell you the truth.

geo.

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We booked a couple of days and the mangers were so very helpful in answering questions about the property and area. The rooms was a bit dated but very comfortable and clean and the view from our room was wonderful even though it was a block or so from the beach. My daughter and husband were able to play their acoustic guitars quietly on the balcony at night enjoying the sound of the ocean and the sea breeze. My daughter enjoyed walking to the beach and was thrilled that there was a boogie board she could borrow and we enjoyed the access to restaurants as well. George and Deborah were very accommodating, even when we checked out they were so kind to hold the guitars in the office while my daughter had a afternoon surfing lesson. We defintiely will go back, hopefully for a longer visit next time.

Stayed July 2012, traveled with family

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1Thank R M

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MoonlightBeachMotel, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
July 27, 2012

RM ...

Again and again I have to say "Thank You for taking the time to review your experiences in Encinitas and The Moonlight Beach Motel on TripAdvisor. It keeps giving travelers an idea of what Encinitas and The Moonlight Beach Motel is all about.

"The rooms was a bit dated but very comfortable and clean"

"dated" ? yes, a bit rusty and dusty at times ... but when your 400 + / - steps to the beach, and the ocean, that's the price buildings and rooms pay ... it's not easy, but Thanks for saying "clean"

Yes, all the guests that take surfing lesson's at LeucadiaSurfSchool. come home happy,Moonlight Beach is a nice place to learn to surf ...

We're just upset we missed the "acoustic guitars concert, quietly on the balcony"

cheers, geo & deb

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Myself and 2 friends from Wales stayed at the Moonlight Beach Motel in Encinitas for two weeks during June and July this year (2012) following many recommendations from friends to stay at the motel and we had a fantastic time and received excellent service from the motels' managers George and Deborah. The motel is very clean and has spacious rooms for family groups or for those with large amounts of luggage with ground floor access for diasbled persons. The beds are very comfortable and there are decent showers in good size bathrooms. The rooms were cleaned frequently and items were replenished daily so we did not need to ask for anything extra during our stay. There are ample facilities to cook your own food, all manner of crockery and utensils required to cook meals and a large fridge to store perishables. The rooms are very homely and are well ventilated with fly-screens. The managers George and Deborah were always available to ask for advice and their friendly approach and welcoming manner made us feel instantly at home at the motel. We were very sad to leave the Moonlight Beach Motel and are already planning a future trip to Encinitas which will include a stay at the Moonlight Beach Motel and as such, we would highly recommend the Moonlight Beach Motel to anyone wishing to explore South California.

Room Tip: Ground floor rooms are idea for those with lots of luggage or for disabled guests - there is a flat...

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Stayed June 2012, traveled with friends

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5Thank Hilett

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, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
July 14, 2012

Hilett,

Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice descriptive review of the motel. After 36 years of operation The Moonlight Beach Motel has become a favorite for international travelers. It's always good for international traveler’s to E-mail us, (as you did) after booking at

MoonlightBeachMotel@yahoo.com

So all reservations and information correct. :^)

Your were as we have said of many other guests, "A BREATH A FRESH AIR"I wish I had taken pictures as you packed up your many surf boards for travel home ...I hope they made it safe and sound ! You did such a professional job ...

Cheers to you, T and E (can't post names) for making our job fun ...

See you next year !

geo & deb

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Loved my stay here. Perfect location. We celebrated our anniversary here and renewed our vows at the moonlight beach overlook. Our party was at the Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian restaurant. Photo shoot on the beach. Bonfire with s'mores in the evening at the fire pits. All were within a couple blocks walking distance. Rooms were clean and large. View of the ocean from our second floor balcony was great.Comfortable beds. Enjoyed the hospitality of our hosts. We will definitely be back. Beach umbrellas and boogie boards were very useful as well. Bring your own beach towels.

Room Tip: Ask for a view room.

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Stayed June 2012, traveled with family

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5Thank dentistmom

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, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
June 26, 2012

dentistmom,

It was fun ... When you ran in the door (dressed for the event) and did not even have time to check in, but we just handed you the keys so you could make the sunset, to your wonderful family and friends that joined you ... Were glad you picked the Moonlight Beach Motel for this special occasion and hope to see you for many more ...

cheers geo & deb ...

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We were asking around for a place to stay in Encinitas, and the local coffee shop suggested we talk to the Moonlight Beach Inn. We wanted to stay a month, but they only had two nights available. We decided to take them, anyway, and it's now been 3 weeks and we're still here.

The view of the ocean is spectacular, the beach is so close there really is no excuse not to get in the water every day, the managers, George and Deb, are the most hospitable and helpful and kind and wonderful hosts ever, and the other guests are sweet and lively and not too noisy.

Our room faces the barbeque area where other guests frequently cook dinner and offer us a bite.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
June 26, 2012

CalvinConaway,

WOW ... "Senior Reviewer" on Trip Advisor ... I'm glad you were happy ... LOL It's always special when we get reviews from "Senior Reviewer's" on Trip Advisor ...

Yes ... Your Karma and the "breath of fresh air" you and P_ _ _ B_ _ (can't post names) brought to the Moonlight Beach Motel has been overwhelming ... From "Taking time to smell the fresh cut grass in the morning" to seeing you come and go to all the yoga classes, and just your general love you have for each day for life brought a sense of calmness to my sometime stressful day at work and helped me take time to also see the warm light ... Thank You ...

Deb and I will miss you both so much ! It's not over yet ... There is still time for another cancelation ... We hope that your travels and adventures in life bring you back to us soon ...

cheers geo & deb ...

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Great for family and friends. We come here once a year with my wife and 2 kids 6years and 3 year old and usually we have other family join us. Love the patio and bbqs great place to hang out and have dinner. Beach less five minute walk. I hope to make this trip twice a year. Thanks for a great time.

Stayed June 2012

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2Thank Rjsee32

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, Manager at Moonlight Beach Motel, responded to this review,
June 30, 2012

Rjsee32,

Thanks for taking the time to review on Trip Advisor ...

We look forward to your return visits ...

cheers, ge & deb

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Moonlight Beach Motel, located two blocks from Moonlight Beach in scenic Encinitas, California, is one of the few true "beach motels" left in Southern California … Referred to as the "American Rivera”, Encinitas has the charm of the past but all the amenities today’s travelers are looking for. There are so many wonderful restaurants, Whole Foods Market and boutiques within walking distance of the motel that you may want to leave your car behind … Locals refer more family and friends to this motel than any other hotel or motel in Encinitas. Its quaint 1970’s charm brings guests back year after year. Some things were just not meant to be changed … All of the rooms have kitchenettes. Whether a romantic getaway, a quiet retreat, or family vacation, make reservations early, we book rooms three months in advance, so you get a room that is best suited for your needs. We try and honor all requests for certain rooms and floors when making reservations, but we cannot guarantee ANY room or number. We will do the best to accommodate your requests … This is a “NO PETS” and "NON SMOKING PROPERTY" In all of the Rooms - Front & Back balconies, walk ways and the patio barbeque area … The office and patio barbeque area closes at 9:00 pm … Quiet hours are from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am in consideration of all the guests … We have the “Good Neighbor Hotel Policy” and do not allow gatherings or parties in the Motel after 9:00 pm. If we receive noise complaints you could be asked to leave and responsible for the room charges of neighboring guest. We look forward to you experiencing The Moonlight Beach Motel, in Encinitas California....more less

Also Known As:

Moonlight Beach Hotel Encinitas

Moonlight Beach Encinitas

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